Солан ауданы: Гимачал-Прадеш аймағының тарихы мен экономикасы

District of Himachal Pradesh in India

Solan district is one of the twelve districts of the Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. The city of Solan is the administrative headquarters of the district. The district occupies an area of 1936 km2.

The territory of the present day district comprises the territories of the erstwhile princely states of Baghal, Baghat, Kunihar, Kuthar, Mangal, Beja, Mahlog, Nalagarh and parts of Keonthal and Koti and hilly areas of the erstwhile Punjab State which were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966. This district came into existence on 1 September 1972. The district was carved out by amalgamating Solan and Arki tehsils of the erstwhile Mahasu district and Kandaghat and Nalagarh tehsils of the erstwhile PEPSU. The name of the district as well as its headquarters comes from Mata Shoolini Devi. It's said that she saved Solan from being destroyed.

Agriculture is the prominent feature of Solan district. It is the main occupation of the inhabitants of Solan district and about 60 per cent of people are dependent on their livelihood on agriculture and its allied activities. Maize, wheat, and barley are the main crops and onion, pulses and peas are the main cash crops grown in many parts of the district. Vegetables like cabbage, turnip, beans, ladyfinger, tomato, radish, chilies, garlic, etc. are grown in many parts of the district. Besides this cultivation of mushroom in the district is also very high. So much so that N. R. C. M. (National Research Centre for Mushroom), Central Government Body is located in Solan town. People not only involved in the agriculture of the mushroom but they also use it for preparing Pickles, Murabas, and soups of mushroom. Because the cultivation of mushroom is very popular in Solan, so people call the city of Solan as "Mushroom City".

The climatic and geographical conditions of the Solan district provide the good scope for the development of the horticulture. People of the district prefer horticulture over the agriculture and the area under horticulture is increasing year after year in the district. Apricot, plum, pear, mango, banana, grapes and kiwi etc. are the main fruits of this district. In addition to this some natural and traditional fruits such as chulli and brahmi are also grown. These fruits are used for making wine, juices, squashes, pickle etc. Edible oil is extracted from the seeds of chulli in this district. The chulli oil is used for cooking purposes. The people of this area are slowly and steadily shifting from traditional agriculture activities to the horticulture and the area covered under horticulture is rising steadily with significant increase in fruits production. Horticulture is not only providing fruits to eat but also provide good scope in the fruit processing industries. As such cash crops constitute the main stay of economy. Even Government of Himachal Pradesh has given priority to create and improve horticulture in Solan district.

Animal husbandry is a traditional practise by the farmers along with agriculture. It gives them another source of income. Any surplus milk and butteroil is sold in the town which offers quick returns and near stable price.

The major towns in the district are popular in the surrounding area. So they show good level of trade and commerce activities. The district headquarter Solan town has an organised sabzi mandi with supporting facilities constructed at Kather on Solan by pass. This Mandi is popular since farmers are getting handsome return of their produce.

There is a good educational infrastructure in Solan district. The major cities and suburbs are hub of educational institutions and training centres. The various Primary and High schools of government and private institutions meet the needs of undergraduate students.

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Motilal Nehru Central state library is situated on The Mall, Solan. Established on 29 June 1959, it is the only Central State Library in Himachal Pradesh. All the schools and public libraries in the state come under it. Till 1973 the library was running a certificate course in library science, and had even initiated the Mobile Library project to benefit youth in rural areas of the state. This library is Responsible for managing all school & public libraries in the state. There are thousands of precious and valuable books housed in this library. This library is centrally located above PNB on The Mall Solan.